Does endoscopic carpal tunnel release have a higher rate of complications than open carpal tunnel release? An analysis of published series

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reported rate of complication s after endoscopic carpal tunnel release by means of an analysis of 54 publ ications, reporting a total of 9516 endoscopic and 1203 open releases. Endo scopic release was comparable to open release in the rate of irreversible n erve damage (0.3% and 0.2% respectively) but case reports may indicate a sm all risk of unacceptable complications with endoscopy, such as transection of the median nerve. Reversible nerve problems were more common after endos copic release. Tendon lesions were extremely rare (0.03%) and the rate of o ther complications (reflex sympathetic dystrophy, haematoma, wound problems , etc.) was about the same with endoscopic as with open release.